Zadar, Croatia (June 7, 2017) - For the first time ever, the International Melges 20 Class Association (IM20CA) will compete in the Adriatic region, an area fast becoming a premiere location for Melges World League (MWL) events.

Rich in history and millenary tradition, the third European Melges 20 World League regatta will be hosted at Marina Dalmacija, the largest marina in Croatia, located in a naturally protected bay just moments away from the ancient port of Zadar.

From a purely competitive perspective, racing in Croatia will serve as a last ditch effort for many teams who wish to aspire to victory, not only in the European Division, but also on the International Melges World League stage.

Atop the field of nearly 70 teams competing on the 2017 Melges 20 World League Ranking, Russia’s Igor Rytov aboard RUSSIAN BOGATYRS has a 29-point advantage over second place Valdimir Prosikhin’s NIKA.

Among their toughest competitors is Achille Onorato’s MASCALZONE LATINO JR. — the winner of the Scarlino edition, and currently seated third in the MWL. Onorato’s team has been working hard to develop better boat handling, techniques and innovations which has allowed them to exhibit impressive speed. This has other teams on guard, prepared and ready to bring on countermeasures to combat their fast advancement.

In addition to the aforementioned Prosikhin (who has enjoyed podium finishes at every event so far), the Polish crew of Krzysztof Krempec’s MAG TINY, and Australia’s Rodney Jones’ CARS 167 are also teams to watch.

The Melges 20 World League European Division is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, Toremar, Lavazza and Barracuda Communication.